The Gambia visitor entry rules

Q: How long is a short-visit visa?

Up to 90 days under the Immigration Department description.

Last checked: 19 October 2026 · Africa entry rules

The Gambia's visa rule depends on nationality. A short-visit visa can cover up to 90 days, and some passports require security clearance before travel ^1,2. Travellers should carry a valid passport, return or onward ticket and adequate funds ¹. Government pages state that an airport security charge is collected on arrival and departure, but the Immigration Department says it does not mandate that charge and gives no legal instrument ^2,3. This page does not state it as a confirmed statutory entry fee.

Short visit: Up to 90 days ¹
Visa source: Gambian missions or immigration at an authorised entry point ^1,2
Prior clearance: Required for listed nationalities ^1,2
Ticket: Return or onward ticket required ¹
Airport charge: Official pages conflict on authority. Legal basis not published ^2,3
Checked: 19 October 2026

Visa and clearance

The Immigration Department describes a short-visit visa for stays not exceeding 90 days. It requires a valid passport, return or onward transport and enough funds for the visit ¹.

Some nationalities require an approved entry clearance. The traveller should carry a copy, and the host must present the original according to the department's entry page ².

Where a visa is issued

Visas can be issued by Gambian embassies, missions and consulates. The Immigration Department says visas can be acquired at authorised borders, subject to the nationality and clearance rules ^1,2.

Airport security charge is not legally confirmed here

The government travel page states that travellers pay US$20 or D1,000 on both arrival and departure ³. The Immigration Department repeats that collection but adds that the airport fee is not mandated by GID ².

Neither reviewed page names the law, regulation or gazette provision creating the charge. With no legal basis and no official rebid status located on 19 October 2026, this site does not present it as a confirmed statutory entry or security fee ^2,3.

Before travel

Confirm your nationality's visa and clearance category with a Gambian mission ¹.
Carry a return or onward ticket and accommodation details ¹.
Ask the government authority for the current written basis and receipt terms for any airport charge.

Common questions

How long is a short-visit visa?

Up to 90 days under the Immigration Department description ¹.

Can I get a visa at the border?

Some travellers can, but prior-clearance nationalities must have approval before arrival ^1,2.

Is there an airport security fee?

Government pages describe a collection, but GID says it does not mandate it and the reviewed pages give no legal instrument ^2,3.

What documents should I carry?

A valid passport, return or onward ticket and evidence of funds ¹.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Sources

Senegal visitor entry rules
Senegal's official visa-free list for stays under three months, passport validity and current vaccination-certificate rule.
Sierra Leone visitor visa rules
Official Sierra Leone visa-on-arrival fees, 30-day validity, passport rule, eVisa portal and the unconfirmed airport-fee status.
Ghana eVisa and visitor entry rules
Ghana launched an official eVisa in May 2026. Check visa waivers, African-passport fee relief and mission-specific fees.
Nigeria tourist eVisa
Nigeria's 30-day tourist eVisa, passport and document requirements, 48-hour service target and official immigration portal.